KIBUNGAN, Benguet – Personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)—Cordillera Baguio/Benguet Provincial Office and Kibungan Municipal Police Station, uprooted and burned more than 90,000 fully grown marijuana plants in a two-day eradication operation in separate mountain ranges of Kibungan, Benguet, on April 1-2. It was learned that the group climbed the hills of Sitio Loccok, Barangay Badeo and uncovered 9,000 square meters of marijuana plantations worth a total of P18,000,000.00 Authorities burned all marijuana plants in the area, including 50,000 plants from the first lot worth P10,000,000.00 and approximately 40,000 plants worth P8,000,000.00 from the second lot. According to PDEA, although they did not arrest any cultivators, they will continue to conduct marijuana eradication in plantations in various parts of the Cordillera.By Zaldy Comanda      

An individual based in abroad was sued by Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap for continuously maligning the lawmaker on social media. Yap, in his complaint – affidavit, said he is filing a Cyber Libel complaint against the individual for maligning and defaming the solon in her several social media post, particularly Facebook. “It is no longer an exercise of freedom of expression, that person has been making defamatory remarks and malicious statements. Enough is enough. Hindi naman po natin pinapansin pero I came across it at nagulat talaga ako. Sabi ko sa sarili ko, wow sobra naman ito,” said the solon. Since he assumed as a caretaker in 2020 and eventually becoming a full time representative of Benguet in 2022, Yap has been on the receiving end of several accusations including derogatory remarks in several social media platforms but has ignored all the allegations and invectives hurled against him. Yap, in his complaint, stressed that the continuous online attacks have not only tarnished his reputation but also misled the public with false accusations. “Mahaba ang pasensya ko sa ganyan, tanggap ko na ang style nila is negative campaigning. Pero there should still be a line that we do not cross, yung nakakasira na ng pagkatao at kung ano – ano na lang ang binabato. Masakit na for my family, my friends. Masyadong marumi na. Is this the type of politics na gusto natin mangyari sa Benguet?” added Yap. Yap emphasized that while he respects freedom of speech, the spread of baseless and damaging allegations must be addressed through legal means. The solon also sought the assistance of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to identify other social media pages that have been spreading similar malicious statements. The NBI is currently investigating and tracing the administrators behind certain Facebook pages that have allegedly engaging in Cyber Libel in an effort to discredit Yap. “This will not be the last, our lawyers are now consolidating a list at nagpatulong na tayo sa NBI Cyber Crime office to identify yung mga nasa likod ng anonymous Facebook pages and troll accounts to hold them accountable sa actions and statements nila. And may lead na daw sila kung sino mga ito, definitely they are paid so kasama sa titignan yan, yung mga nag-fifinance because this is an organized attack on me,” Yap said.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – The Police Regional Office-Cordillera Administrative Region has intensified its security efforts to ensure public safety and uphold the integrity of the electoral process, as the official campaign period for local candidates—from governor and district representative to mayor and councilors—begins on Friday, March 28.Police Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr., regional director, has directed all unit commanders to heighten security, particularly in areas identified as election hotspots. Additionally, personnel have been deployed to strategic areas, and security operations have been strengthened, including the establishment of checkpoints, increased monitoring of major roads and public spaces, intensified patrolling, increased police visibility, and the establishment of police assistance desks. Peredo stated that all deployed personnel have undergone comprehensive orientation on standard operating procedures and have been reminded to remain vigilant and prepared to provide immediate assistance as needed. Apart from these preparations, he also been conducting on-site visits and inspections of the different Police Provincial Offices and the City Police Office to personally oversee the security measures being implemented by Provincial and City Directors. He has also engaged with personnel on the ground, reinforcing the importance of remaining apolitical and dedicated to their duty of protecting the public. “Our priority is to uphold public safety and preserve the integrity of the elections. We are committed to ensuring a peaceful and fair democratic process through continuous, proactive security measures, and we will do everything necessary to safeguard the rights of every citizen throughout the electoral process,” he stated. Furthermore, PROCAR is coordinating closely with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), other law enforcement agencies, local government units, and key stakeholders to ensure a unified and effective security strategy. Peredo also encourages the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through official police hotlines and social media channels. He stressed that public participation is crucial in maintaining peace and security, urging everyone to be proactive partners in ensuring a safe and orderly election.      

By Rose Frejane Cruz   BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism-Cordillera reported that a total of  1,983,511 million tourists flocked in Cordillera, mostly in the Summer Capital in 2024, compared to 1,685,133 million tourists in 2023. Tourists arriving in Baguio City last year accounted for more than 1.56 million or 78 percent of the more than 1.98 million arrivals recorded in the region last year. Based on the data, tourist arrivals in Mountain Province came second with 151,183 while arrivals in Kalinga came third with 132,771. Benguet had 67,428 tourist arrivals followed by Ifugao – 48,0811 arrivals, Apayao – 21,611 arrivals and Abra – 2,225 arrivals. According to DOT Regional Director Jovita Ganongan said that tourist arrivals in the region last year recorded a 17.71 percent increase compared to the more than 1,683 tourist arrivals last year. According to him, all provinces recorded a significant increase in both foreign and domestic tourist arrivals which contributed to an infusion of about P10.7 billion into the regional economy. Under the updated data on visitor spending by the tourism department, each foreign visitor spends about P7,000 daily at their destination while a domestic tourist spends about P4,000 daily. She pointed out that the region is targeting the international market to help significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals in various tourist destinations to further enhance the local economy. Last year, foreign tourists arrived in the region, accounting for just over two percent of the total tourist arrivals reported while domestic tourist arrivals reached over 97 percent.          

By Ian Jefrey Addatu   Tabuk City is preparing for a major celebration of its 75th founding anniversary, which will coincide with the Matagoan Festival in June. Several local government offices and partner agencies are collaborating to ensure the week-long event is fully prepared and organized. Arlene Odiem, the head of the Office of the City Tourism and Cultural Affairs, presided over the meeting and stated that this year’s festivities should be grander, with some activities carried over from past years and others improved. Odiem has invited all concerned offices to submit their proposed activities, as well as their budgetary requirements, so that they can be reviewed and finalized at future meetings. The festival’s logo and the jingle will be based on last year’s winning design and composition. The foundation day will be held on June 16, followed by Agri-Vet Coop PESO Day on June 17, and Barangay and Cultural Day on June 18.    

By Zaldy Comanda   BAGUIO CITY- The Department of Health-Cordillera reported an increase of 91,164 obesity cases recorded in 2024, the main reason being frequent meat consumption. Based on the data, the number of obese people aged 20 to 59 reached 70,613, while 20,551 were obese people aged 60 and above. One of the reasons for the high number of obesity in the Cordillera is the excessive consumption of meat during occasion , according to the Department of Health – Cordillera (DOH-CAR). Joyce Rillorta, Nurse V of the DOH-CAR, emphasized that frequent and prolonged consumption of meat, especially the so-called watwat o’ meat mixed with salt, which is prepared during occasions in the Cordillera, can cause obesity. “It is traditional for every occasion in the Cordillera to have cañao, which usually involves preparing pork, not just one day or sometimes three days, then the only food they eat is pork with salt, which is almost always done.” He said that because of this food system, many people become overweight or obese. The number of overweight and obese people in the region continues to increase, so the DOH-CAR is promoting a more balanced diet and a more active lifestyle. The department admitted that cañao is part of the culture, but they urged residents to reduce excessive meat consumption to maintain health. “We are not saying to eliminate culture. What is important is to have moderation or reduce the amount of meat eaten and add more vegetables and other healthy foods,” according to Rillorta. Meanwhile, according to Professor Mario Tanggawan, a cultural researcher from the University of the Cordilleras, cañao is a ritual with deep meaning in the culture of the Cordillerans. “It is not just a simple meal, but part of our identity. But it is also important that we combine culture and health,” he said. To address the rising cases of obesity, the DOH-CAR is conducting information drives in barangays to teach proper nutrition and the importance of a balanced diet. They also plan to collaborate with local governments to promote “healthy cañao,” where families will be encouraged to prepare more vegetables, fruits, and other alternative foods instead of meat. “Culture is important, but health is also important,” Rillorta stressed as he encouraged the public to have a more balanced diet during feasts.      

The Department of the Interior and Local Government – Cordillera Administrative Region (DILG-CAR) urged local government units (LGUs) to recognize and integrate the Informal Waste Sector (IWS) into their Solid Waste Management (SWM) plans to strengthen waste management systems and promote inclusive environmental governance. DILG-CAR Regional Director Araceli A. San Jose underscored the significant role of informal waste workers—such as waste pickers, recyclers, and junk shop operators—in solid waste recovery and management despite challenging working conditions. “The informal waste sector has long been contributing to waste reduction and recycling efforts in our communities, yet they remain largely unrecognized in formal waste management systems. By integrating them into LGU-led solid waste management programs, we not only improve efficiency in waste recovery but also provide economic opportunities for them,” RD San Jose said. Despite their vital contribution to waste diversion and environmental sustainability, the IWS faces economic and social marginalization. To address these, the DILG encouraged LGUs to develop policies that provide the IWS and its workers formal recognition, access to capacity-building programs, and economic inclusion. Through DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-012, LGUs are advised to strengthen their SWM initiatives by profiling the IWS, integrating them into local waste management programs, and establishing support mechanisms such as social protection, health benefits, and skills development. LGUs are also encouraged to institutionalize policies that promote the organization of cooperatives, provision of technical assistance, and creation of opportunities for employment, formalization, and potential distribution of economic incentives. Additionally, San Jose stressed the need for the LGUs to update their 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plans to ensure a more inclusive and sustainable approach. “We encourage our LGUs to institutionalize programs that will recognize and support the informal waste sector. This will not only improve waste diversion rates but also promote social equity in our waste management systems,” San Jose added. The DILG encourages LGUs to partner with other national government agencies such as the Department of Science and Technology and the academe to develop innovations in local waste management. (DILG-CAR/Fernando Pre)                

TABUK CITY, Kalinga — A group of archeologists, paleontologists and other experts from Ateneo de Manila University, along with international institutions and the National Museum of the Philippines, braved the heat and long hike to conduct an initial visit to investigate potential archaeological sites in an identified area in Barangay Nambaran, Tabuk City, Kalinga, on March 6. During the site inspection, petrified woods were found and a fossilized animal tooth was shown to the party. After thoroughly inspecting the fossil, the experts concluded that it was a fragment of an elephant’s lower left molar. With petrified wood bits strewn around the area, as well as a fossilized elephant tooth, the researchers informed the personnel of the PLGU, CLGU, and the Barangay official that they would return for a more thorough examination of the area to further evaluate the site’s potential. The researchers urged Barangay officials to protect any fossilized bones discovered and preserve the location for future research. Mayor Darwin Estrañero welcomed the team and voiced support for their efforts. He expressed excitement about the prospect of discovering rich archaeological artifacts and promised to continue supporting their research activities, which aim to unearth the city’s historical significance as well as the possibility of ancient civilizations and animal species. The researchers were accompanied by Kalinga PLGU Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i, City Information Officer Aurora Amilig and CPIO staff, as well as Mr. Tony Ngaya-an, a Barangay Nambaran Council member and a resident of Nambaran who discovered the petrified wood and the fossilized tooth.    

Congressman Maximo Y. Dalog, Jr. personally turned over a complete computer set with accessories to the Provincial Investigation and Detective Management Unit of the Mountain Province Police Provincial Office in support of their efforts to ensure efficient operations. The donation was personally received by Force Commander PLtCol. Daniel Fakat.